The death of Raymond (Ray) Kennedy of Brandon occurred Wednesday, December 5, 2001 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Ray was born in Portage la Prairie on April 14, 1934 to Earl and Olive Kennedy. Ray spent his childhood in Portage la Prairie and moved to Brandon when he was 13 years of age. From an early age he was ambitious, energetic and mischievous. His first jobs included delivering papers, milk, groceries and herding cows. He completed his grade 12 in Brandon and then took a bookkeeping course. Ray had several jobs as a young man including working as an accounting clerk for Canadian Pacific Railway in Brandon and marketing Coca Cola in California in the 1960's. Upon returning to Canada he worked for the Manitoba Telephone System from 1976 to 1992. After his retirement from MTS he said he could only drink so much coffee, and proceeded to get a job at Wal-Mart. Ray became a "greeter" and cheered many customers with his friendly smile. One thing we know for sure, a gentle and loving "greeter" will now be there to welcome each of us when we take that journey Home. Ray's big love in life was people and he had a sincere interest in the lives of all he met, whether young or old. He said one of the highlights of his Christian walk was working as a Youth Pastor in California during the time of the Vietnam War. Ray is survived by his loving wife, Francine; daughter, Janelle (Brad); and stepsons, Michael Posthumus (fiancT Rochelle Gray); and Brian Posthumus (fiancT Stacy Swanson). He is also survived by his mother, Olive Kennedy; brothers, Harvey (Hendrika); Russell; and Murray (Phyllis); sister, Doreen Stack; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harvey and Gladys Thom; brothers-in-law, Allan (Margaret) Thom; Martin Thom (fiancT Karen Troop); and Jeff (Linda) Thom; as well as several nieces and nephews. Ray was pre-deceased by his first wife, Bareth; father, Earl; and stepdaughter, Bonnie Posthumus. The Ceremony to Celebrate Ray's Life was held at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church on Saturday, December 8, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Greg Foley officiated. Interment followed at the Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Donations in memory of Ray may be made to the Gideon's Brandon Camp, P.O. Box 20060, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 5Y8 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2B7. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Gideon's Brandon Camp, or Canadian Cancer Society